Community

Local LGBT Organisations

Allsorts is a project based in Brighton to support and empower children and young people under 26 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or unsure (LGBTU) of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Their mission statement reads: “Allsorts Youth Project supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people to take a lead in raising awareness of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and challenge prejudice and discrimination in all areas of young people’s lives”.

An independent LGBT forum working with the Community to address and improve safety issues throughout Brighton and Hove. They support cultural, educational and social safety community activities and any type of LGBT community-building initiative. The LGBT Community Safety Forum was formed to give the community a much needed voice on a wide range of safety issues in Brighton and Hove. We exist to act as a bridge between the community and statutory services such as the City Council and Sussex Police and to enable there to be more accountability and transparency of the services provided. It’s very much a forum where members of the public can have their say and can ask direct questions to those in charge of community safety in the city. The forum is there to question, to get answers, to probe further and to insist on improvements on service delivery.

Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard is a community organisation and registered charity providing support services run for and by LGBT people in the heart of the LGBT community since 1975. Their mission is to listen, support and inform.

Whether you have a straightforward question about the scene, services for LGBT people or a sexual health enquiry they aim to answer your questions directly, giving you accurate information or putting you in touch with an organisation that has more specific expertise. They also provide counselling services through their counselling project and is the home of the LGBT Health and Inclusion Project.

BWC has been supporting women in Brighton and Hove for over 35 years. Their aims are to empower women and promote independence in a safe, women-only space. The services we offer include counselling, group work, open access drop ins, holistic therapies, volunteer training and self development courses. BWC is the central point of location for the Inspire Project (a partnership with Brighton Oasis Project, Rise, Survivor’s Network and Threshold BHT). Inspire works with women at all stages of involvement in the Criminal Justice System. They provide an Ofsted registered pre-school alongside their services in recognition of the importance of childcare. They are committed to supporting and empowering vulnerable and disadvantaged women in the community and welcome all women, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, age or religion.

On April 1, 2015 the Pavilions Partnership took over managing and delivering adult drug and alcohol services for the city, previously provided by CRI and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Pavilions brings together Cranstoun, Surrey & Borders NHS Partnership Foundation Trust, Equinox, Brighton Oasis Project, YMCA Downslink Group and Cascade Creative Recovery, a range of partners with proven expertise, creative minds and a shared desire to re-shape drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services for the people of Brighton & Hove.

Gary Smith provides support to adults in Brighton and Hove who identify as LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans), including men who have sex with men (MSM). He works in partnership with other LGBT services in Brighton.

Gary receives a high number of referrals from people wanting to access information and support to address their substance misuse, whether they want to reduce or stop their use or simply use more safely.

Many people accessing help commonly present with a number of complex issues. Gary’s role is to support the client in identifying the areas where they are in need and to access appropriate support, often linking in with other established LGBT+ services in Brighton.

Gary works holistically so that the client feels supported and has the time to explore and identify the issues which underlie and trigger on going drug or alcohol misuse. He is able to support anyone over the age of 18 that lives in Brighton & Hove.

Brighton GEMS is a social group for over 50s gay men whose aims and objectives are to reduce isolation and provide a safe environment to meet and socialise. Members meet monthly to socialise and have regular visits to the theatre and stately homes. Brighton GEMS has no religious allegiance and meets every last Friday of the month. Membership is free.

A fully inclusive church that has a special welcome for the LGBT community. They are a Christian church who believe that everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, race, abilities, beliefs, situation or any other factor, should have full and equal access to a loving God. Anyone is welcome to celebrate with us. There are no requirements to be a member of the church including to take part in all parts of worship including communion. In their services they have different styles of worship offering both contemporary and more traditional elements. The services usually contains a mixture of worship songs, hymns, readings, a time of prayer, a sermon as well as communion. They are not afraid to step outside of the box in how we worship and interact with God.

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual,transgender and queer people. Based in Brighton and Hove, we provide advice, information, advocacy, a peer support group programme, peer mentoring, wellbeing workshops and events and training. We have an online support service open out of hours, evenings and weekends.

Rainbow Families is an informal social group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents and their children in Brighton & Hove, Sussex and surrounding areas. Membership is open to all LGBT parents and prospective parents and their children. They are a non-profit organisation and membership is free. They aim to create a friendly, inclusive space for parents and their children. Some of their families are led by single parents or carers, some have two mums, or two dads, or both, but whoever is included in the family everyone is welcome and they look forward to meeting your family.

The official website of the University of Sussex’s LGBTQ Society. They run regular events, campaign and lobby on issues they feel are relevant to the LGBTQ community, and provide welfare support. They offer a safe space environment to all LGBTQ students and staff at the University of Sussex and hold meetings on a Tuesday during term time, mainly on campus, starting at 6pm.

Local HIV organisations

The Lunch Positive lunch club is a community space for everyone with HIV. They have a coffee and lounge area, and a dining area for lunch which is provided every Friday at noon at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church in Brighton. The space belongs to everyone who visits, so please make it your own. You’re welcome to sit where you want, move around and chat, whatever is good for you. They hope you’ll use this to meet new people, make new friends and be able to share peer support. The lunch club is provided entirely by volunteers.

Peer Action is Brighton’s only solely volunteer led HIV support Group, we provide over 300 events each year to promote well-being, raise awareness and assist in the reduction of social isolation and exclusion of those affected by HIV, their partners and Family in Brighton, Sussex and the surrounding areas. We run two alternative therapy sessions a month as well as regular social events, health events, courses and outings

Event Prices: all our events are subsidised, whether this is a percentage off costs, special deals or even free refreshments, where possible we ask members offer the event price as we find people engage more in events they contribute towards. However, we appreciate many are in financial distress and a lack of income should not be a barrier to attending any of our events and so additional subsidy (up to the entire cost) may be available on request just message us or speak to the event organiser if this is an issue for you..

The Sussex Beacon offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. They operate 365 days a year to help people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition. Their 10 bed Inpatient Unit helps people living with serious HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies or struggling with some of the extreme side effects of anti-retroviral drug regimes. They provide emotional, mental and health support along with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. They also offer end of life care. Our Outpatient Unit for health management offers psychological support such as anxiety and sleep management and treatment. They run services for women and families and a regular day service for socially isolated people with complex medical conditions associated with HIV.

THT are the largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the UK, running services out of local centres across Great Britain. The range and availability of services provided at any one centre depends on the needs of the community they serve and the requirements of their funders (usually local authorities and NHS organisations, sometimes voluntary funders). Our local services fall into three areas: long term condition management; health improvement and clinical services.

Local Trans Organisations

The Clare Project is a charity based in Brighton and Hove whose purpose is to provide mental health and wellbeing support for those needing to explore issues around gender identity. Their main activity is a weekly DROP-IN which aims to provide a safe and confidential place for people to meet with others who share their life experiences, and find information, support and companionship. A facilitator and a psychotherapist are at the drop-in every Tuesday. Whilst the group is mainly attended by transgender, transsexual and gender dysphoric people, they aim to be all-inclusive as they recognise the complexities surrounding the issue of gender identity. Carers and friends are welcome.

FTM Brighton is a group for transgender men, gender queer people and those questioning their gender identity. They provide a social space, support, sexual health advice and co- ordinate local campaigns relevant to FTM trans people. Inclusion is important to them. Their aim is to be a diverse group including all trans masculine people, whether you are intending to transition or not, and regardless of surgery or hormone use. They hold regular meetings on the third Friday of every month.

National LGBT Organisations

The Albert Kennedy Trust supports young lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) homeless 16-25 year olds living in crisis or a hostile environment. Every day they deal with the effects homelessness can have on young people’s lives. They have offices in London, Manchester and Newcastle.

The UK’s most social group for gay and bisexual men who love the great outdoors. They organise hiking, camping, climbing, hostelling, biking, canoeing, sailing and skiing events – as well as one-off international trips and more hard-core ‘challenge’ events. It doesn’t matter whether you are a total beginner or a well-hardened outdoor enthusiast – they have something for everyone, every week, all over the UK. And what-ever the event, you will find a group of friendly, welcoming guys with a shared love of the outdoors.

National Trans* Organisations

The Gender Trust helps Trans* People and all those affected by gender identity issues. They provide a listening ear, a caring support and an information centre for anyone with any question or problem concerning their gender identity, or whose loved one is struggling with gender identity issues. They help people who might be Transgender, Transsexual, Gender Queer, people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth or those who are simply unsure. They also provide support and information for significant others, friends, families and allies (SOFFAs). In addition to their services for individuals they also provide a range of services for corporate clients ranging from help when an employee is transitioning through to awareness training and advice on relevant or equality and employment law. The Gender Trust is an authoritative centre for professional people who encounter gender reassignment and related issues in the course of their work. In particular this group includes employers, human resource officers, health workers and information services.

Gay Choirs in Brighton & Hove

Actually Gay Men’s Chorus was set up in 2005 (Then the ‘Brighton & Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus’) with the specific aim of providing a place where gay men could socialise, have fun, develop their vocal skills in a unique environment, and perform to the public while raising money for charity. Members benefit from the wide ranging musical experience from TV and theatreland and have the expertise at hand to develop their own talents with professional tuition. There are many opportunities for Chorus members – some of our members were signed to Universal/Island and have released their début album ‘Somewhere For Me’. They are proud to be members of the Actually Community Interest Company – a not for profit organisation that manages them, and other community projects, including the Actually Gay Women’s Chorus.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus is a space where people can celebrate music, celebrate their sexuality, enjoy the fellowship of other like-minded people and contribute to the local communities which they are part of. The Chorus is a registered charity with three guiding principles, the “three S’s”: Singing, the celebration of life and music through male voice harmonies; Socialising, using this activity to develop social bonds that help people to feel connected with a sometimes lonely world; and Support, to be there for each other – both collectively and individually – when the chips are down, and to be there for the communities in which the chorus operates, too. Membership is open to anyone who self-identifies as a gay or gay-friendly man, and the choir currently has around 80 members.

The Rainbow Chorus is the only Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) choir in the Southeast outside of London. The choir aims to provide an enjoyable and supportive environment for LGBT members to sing together, making new friends and developing their community spirit, individual talents and confidence. Through performance, the Rainbow Chorus also raises the profile of the LGBT community in Brighton & Hove as well as providing top quality entertainment. Everybody is welcome to join, you don’t need to audition, you just need to want to sing! As part of their commitment to the local community, they aim to make donations to other organisations from the proceeds of their concerts. We always welcome new members, there is no audition and you don’t have to read music!

Social Networking Groups

LGBT Community Social/Leisure Networking Group. Founded in May 2008 by Danny Dwyer the group was set up to enable ‘People’ to come together and become part of a Social Community Network, thus enabling them to meet friends and new people in a ‘Happy’ environment free from attitude & social stigma. The group continues to strive forwards organising Social & Challenge Events, gatherings, day trips, weekend breaks & fundraising opportunities for everyone to enjoy and they welcome all members who are keen and enthusiastic about becoming part of a Community Social Network.

Bi Brighton is a lively monthly social group for young bisexual men, women and trans people aged 16-25. They meet at a central Brighton location the second Wednesday of every month from 5-7pm. The group offers opportunities to make friends with other bi young people and support and information about being bisexual.

BLAGSS is a sports and social group that now has around 500 lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender members from across Brighton and Hove, Sussex and beyond. Voted best gay sports group in the UK by Pink Paper in 2008 and Best Community Group in the Golden Handbags 2011, our members are all different shapes, sizes, ages and abilities, and participate in sports as varied as badminton, rock-climbing and cycling (and many, many more). And it’s not just about sport; with around 700 different sporting and social meetings each year, BLAGSS is a great way to meet people, keep fit, and have fun. You can also try out BLAGSS for free! Go along to your sport of choice with a FREE 1-day membership (court fees may apply). Just go to the relevant sport page on this site and message the organiser.

Brighton Bothways is a bisexual group based in Brighton. They are a friendly, open-minded group and welcome all bisexual, bi-curious and bi-friendly people, their partners, friends, family and allies. They are a diverse and inclusive group and hope that people going along will respect this safe and supportive space. They arrange regular socials and meets with a few extra events throughout the year.

The Brighton VolleyBears are a ‘Bear’ team embracing the diversity of the LGBT community. They are inclusive, so you don’t have to appear to be a ‘bear’ to be a ‘VolleyBear’. If you fancy embracing your inner bear – Grrr! feel free to join. They are a new group, having fun while learning to play this grrreat game so don’t feel put off if you’ve never played before. They will play most weekends, both indoors at the Stanley Deason Leisure Centre, Wilson Avenue, Brighton and outdoors at the Yellowave Beach Sports Venue, 299 Madeira Drive, Brighton.

Changing Attitude Sussex is committed to telling the truth about Christian teaching on homosexuality, and works for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in every province of the Anglican Communion and more widely in all Christian churches.

Cheek2Cheek was set up in Brighton in 1998 as a social dance club for the gay and lesbian community. It aims to provide an alternative to the commercial gay scene and a relaxed and friendly environment in which people can meet and dance together. They cover many Ballroom and Latin dances. From Quickstep, Waltz, Social Foxtrot, Jive and Tango through to Bossa Nova, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba and meet on Tuesdays from 7.30pm

Ishigaki was started in January 1994. A group of guys who had been training in a regular club decided that they wanted to train in an environment where sexuality would be no issue. After a bit of political negotiation, Ishigaki was established. Since then Ishigaki has flourished and they have had around 20 people grade to black belt and beyond. They have several black belt instructors headed by Simon Powell (fifth dan, club sensei and membership secretary), Sandy Mackay (fourth dan and club treasurer) they form the committee that organizes the club and its events.

LGBrighTon is the LGBT+ society at the University of Brighton, supporting, representing and providing a safe space for students and staff of any sexual orientation and/or gender identity to socialise and meet with others. They exist to ensure an LGBT+ person’s move to university is a fun, and safe one. The society organises events such as the (infamous) Freshers Scene Tour, a club night, film screenings, debates, LGBTea Parties and other activities. They also campaign on local, national and international issues, from adding the ‘T’ to a university LGB support group, to Pride is a Protest, Donation Not Discrimination (blood ban) and Love without Borders. This work covers all campuses of the university including Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings. They are run by current students, and welcome anyone who wishes to be involved.

Outdoor Positive is a new walking group for HIV positive people. The main ethos of the group is to bring HIV people together, and enjoy the Sussex countryside. As well as providing an organised walk, Outdoor Positive’s aim is to build a social group for positive people to meet up away from the usual pub club scene.

Queer Community Yoga Class, every tuesday 8:15 – 9:45 pm at the Garden Studio, 7A Ship Street. A gentle drop in class, suitable for beginners. Come as you are, pay what you want! There are no changing rooms at the studio, but a gender neutral toilet where you can change if you like. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, you wont need any shoes and there are mats at the studio. Please come a little earlier to make sure we can start in time. If you are worried that you might not be able to follow the class due to physical restrictions, then I am very happy to meet you before the class starts to discuss adjustments and alternatives that work for you.

Queer Writing South was founded by poets Maria Jastrzębska and John McCullough to promote creative and literary activity in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender community of Brighton and Hove and the surrounding area. They run workshops and organise readings to introduce new and established writers.